Day 10 of Charlottetown Fire Department 12 Days of Fire Safety Campaign

Fireplace and woodstove fires create a cozy setting and are beautiful for any holiday get-together, but there are safety precautions that all homeowners should take when using them.

The Charlottetown Fire Department makes the following recommendations related to fireplace and woodstove safety:

• Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a metal lid. Don’t assume the ashes are cool enough for dumping or disposing in a container that isn’t fire resistant;• Clean your chimney flue at least once a year;• Use a fireplace screen that is metal or heat-tempered glass. Keep it in good condition and secure in its position in front of the fireplace;• Do not leave young children unsupervised near a fireplace or woodstove. Teach them to stay three feet away from the fireplace, wood/pellet stove, oil stove or other space heaters;

These tips are part of the Charlottetown Fire Department’s 12 Days of Fire Safety campaign to raise awareness of important fire safety and fire prevention measures leading into the holiday season.

The 12 Days of Fire Safety campaign was inspired by a similar initiative in Ontario. It will include public service announcements for twelve business days that outline fire prevention and safety tips. The announcements will be sent to local media as well as shared through www.charlottetown.ca/news.php and on social media via www.facebook.com/CityofCharlottetown and, on Twitter, @ChtownPE or @ChtownFire.

The daily tips will be shared from December 1-5, December 8-12 and December 15 and 16.

For more information on the Charlottetown Fire Department, visit: www.charlottetownfire.com